The tennis world witnessed a poignant moment at the Canadian Open as Canadian star Eugenie Bouchard bid an emotional farewell to professional tennis. Her retirement on Wednesday marked the conclusion of a career that captivated fans and saw her reach the pinnacle of the sport, culminating in a tearful final appearance in Montreal.
Bouchard, a former world No. 5, accepted a wildcard into the prestigious WTA 1000 event, a gesture that allowed her to conclude her journey on home soil. She demonstrated her enduring fighting spirit by winning her opening match before ultimately falling in a closely contested three-setter to the 17th seed, Belinda Bencic, on Wednesday night. The match was a fitting, hard-fought end to her professional playing days.
Following her emotional retirement ceremony, tributes poured in from across the global tennis community. Among the latest to express admiration for Bouchard was British No. 1 Emma Raducanu, who shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram story. Raducanu’s warm wishes underscored the respect and camaraderie among top athletes on the WTA Tour, highlighting the impact Bouchard had on her peers.
Raducanu’s message, “@geniebouchard thank you genie, loved watching you compete and play. Wish you all the best for your next chapter,” resonated deeply, particularly given Bouchard’s past reflections on their shared career trajectories. The Canadian prodigy, who famously reached the 2014 Wimbledon final at just 20, had often drawn parallels between her own path and Raducanu’s meteoric rise.
Both players experienced intense public scrutiny and the immense pressure that accompanies sudden fame in women’s tennis. While Bouchard faced criticism for her online persona, Raducanu’s 2021 U.S. Open victory as a teenage qualifier brought a similar level of global attention and a flurry of brand endorsements, issues Bouchard intimately understood.
Bouchard had previously acknowledged, “I see a lot of similarities. I feel for her in that sense. She has a great life, she’s set for life, and she’s had great achievements. But I can understand a little bit, possibly the pressure, the scrutiny.” This empathetic perspective from the retired tennis star added a unique layer to Raducanu’s tribute, signifying a shared understanding of their challenging professional journeys.
As Raducanu continued her impressive run at the Canadian Open, progressing to the third round by defeating Peyton Stearns, Bouchard’s illustrious career reached its conclusion on the very court where she had once dreamed of playing. Despite holding a break advantage in the deciding set against Bencic, she ultimately fell 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, marking her final professional point.
Post-match, an emotional Bouchard addressed the captivated audience, expressing profound gratitude. “I think it’s so special to play my last match here in Montreal on this court in front of you guys,” she stated, reflecting on her childhood aspirations. “I remember being a little kid, sitting in these stands, hoping and dreaming that I would play on this court one day.” Her heartfelt words underscored the significance of her Montreal retirement, completing a full circle moment for the beloved Canadian tennis icon.
Leave a Reply